Amniotic Fluid Embolism

Share this page

Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is a rare obstetric emergency in which amniotic fluid, fetal cells, hair, or other debris enters the mother's blood stream via the placental bed of the uterus and trigger an allergic reaction. This reaction then results in cardiorespiratory (heart and lung) collapse and coagulopathy. Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is a pregnancy complication that causes life-threatening conditions, such as heart failure. It can affect you, your baby, or both of you.

Amniotic fluid results from entering the maternal circulation via the uterine veins, which then has either a direct effect on the lungs, or triggers an immune response in the mother.There is no particular treatment for amniotic liquid embolism, and introductory crisis administration is the same concerning some other reason for sudden maternal breakdown - with cardiovascular and respiratory revival and adjustment of the coagulopathy. The pathophysiology of AFE is speculative, various theories have been published. In 1995, Clarke suggested that the syndrome arose from an immune rather than embolic process. Amniotic fluid embolism is caused by fetal antigens in the amniotic fluid stimulating a cascade of endogenous immune mediators, producing a reaction similar to anaphylaxis.

The rate of AFE has been accounted for to extend from 1 in 8000 to 1 in 80,000 deliveries. The disorder ordinarily happens amid work, not long after vaginal or cesarean conveyance, or amid second-trimester widening and clearing strategies. In the national registry, 70% of the cases happened amid work, 19% were recorded amid cesarean conveyance, and 11% happened after vaginal delivery. All of the cases noted amid cesarean area had their onset not long after conveyance of the newborn child.Several factors have been associated with amniotic fluid embolism syndrome.